May 16, 2023
Shabchuhu Kol HaUmim: The Fifth Chapter of Tehillim, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
In this, the 5th shiur in the series, we explore the abrupt turn from the personal and subjective praise of psalm 116, which is presented in the singular and, as I proposed, led by an individual who has come to the Mikdash with a קרבן תודה in thanksgiving to God for personal salvation. Our short psalm - the shortest chapter in Tanakh - is more than tribal or national - it is a universal call to the nations of the world to praise God. We explore the awkward interplay between the 2 verses and the enigmatic "כי" that connects them, emerging with a message that integrates this psalm into the Hallel seamlessly. This shiur is given in honor of Yom Yerushalayim, the 56th anniversary of the restoration of Jewish sovereignty to our eternal capitol.